The East African Community (EAC) has urged universities in member states to charge students from other EAC countries the same tuition fees as nationals and in local currencies.
The issue was raised during EAC political consultations in Juba on Friday, where technical experts met government officials on regional integration, education and movement of people.
Deborah Akech Kuocin, undersecretary in South Sudan’s Ministry of Labour, said some South Sudanese students continued to pay international student fees in universities and schools in other EAC countries.
“When we are claiming that we are one community, the community should be reflected in some of these small things,” she said.
Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, deputy secretary-general of the EAC, said regional directives require students from member states to be treated as local students.
“If you are in Uganda, you pay like a national in Uganda and in local currency, not in US dollars,” Aguer said.
He urged students who are still being charged international fees to document their complaints and submit them to his office.
EAC passport
Aguer said South Sudan is responsible for producing the East African Community passport for its citizens, while the EAC could provide technical assistance.
He said South Sudan’s immigration authorities had received training on producing the regional passport but had yet to begin issuing it.
“The East African Community does not print passports in Arusha,” Aguer said.
The EAC says South Sudan is still implementing the East African e-passport system.
Aguer also said the bloc is preparing to provide technical support to Somalia, which joined the EAC in 2024.
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